Telstra, Australia's leading telecommunications and information services company, is now the operator with the largest HD voice network in the world. Across more than 2.1 million square kilometres of Australian landmass, Telstra offers the possibility to make and receive phone calls with superior sound quality,

A software upgrade from Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) on Telstra's existing core and WCDMA network, based on an existing contract between the companies, allows people to access the new service on compatible HD voice handsets.

HD voice is the latest way to transport speech across a mobile network. It greatly improves voice quality by capturing a broader range of audible speech, dramatically improving the ability to distinguish a caller's voice from background noise. The service allows people to better share thoughts and emotions, do business, and communicate information, without compromising voice quality when using a mobile device.

Mike Wright, Director of Networks and Access Technologies, Telstra, said: "Telstra has launched many firsts on the Australian market, including HSPA+ and we are the first Australian operator to commence deployment of LTE, the 4th generation of mobile communications technology.

"So not only do Telstra mobile customers have access to the largest and fastest national mobile network, they also have access to the latest voice technology. Telstra is proud that we continue to provide leading edge services for our customers," he said.

Johan Wibergh, head of Ericsson's Business Unit Networks, says: "We believe HD voice is an innovation for voice services similar to the shift from standard TV to HDTV. The marked difference in quality is a leap in voice services, and we're delighted that the strong partnership between Ericsson and Telstra has made it possible to create the largest HD voice network in the world."

In addition, the integration of Mobile SoftSwitch Solution (MSS) and WCDMA software was done without interruption to current services. "Many recently released handset models have HD voice capabilities built in, such as recent models from the Sony Ericsson Xperia family," said Wibergh.

With close to 70% of global mobile revenues still linked to voice calls, HD voice can help operators differentiate themselves in the market and allow them to provide a superior experience to their consumers.

Ericsson is the world's leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 2 billion subscribers and has the leading position in managed services. The company's portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.

Ericsson is advancing its vision of being the "prime driver in an all-communicating world" through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 90,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 203.3 billion (USD 28.2 billion) in 2010. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York